Considered Healthier, These are 4 Plus Minus Facts about Imitation Meat

Along with the growing development of healthy lifestyle, the more diverse choices there are. For those of us who decide to be vegan, strict rules for not using animal-based products are a limitation to our food choices. No wonder if we feel fed up with that and that.

Actually, you can still eat meat! The latest technology creates meat products sourced from vegetable ingredients. However, before trying, find out the minus plus about the following imitation meat, let’s!

1. Before starting, first identify the history of the creation of imitation meat

Long before the vegan lifestyle was created, food used to substitute meat had long existed. Precisely, since the Han dynasty in China. At that time, tofu was the most popular meat substitute food. Tofu was still consumed until the Tang dynasty and was widespread in Japan in the Song dynasty.

Meat substitutes are also popular in medieval Europe. There are rules that prohibit the consumption of warm-blooded animals, eggs and milk. As a substitute, chopped almonds and grapes are used instead of meat, while diced bread is made as an imitation of meat.

2. What ingredients are used to substitute meat?

There are many ingredients used to substitute meat. Among them are mushrooms, legumes, tempeh, sweet potato flour, tofu and rice. Then, add flavor to taste similar to chicken, beef, lamb or seafood.

Mushrooms are one of the most popular ingredients to replace meat. This is because they have a meaty texture and a savory flavor. In addition, mushrooms also contain mineral selenium, an antioxidant that can play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Imitation meat is sold commercially

From high market demand, imitation meat has finally become popular. In 2013, the Beyond Meat company began selling imitation chicken at a Whole Foods store in the United States. This meat is made from a mixture of soy protein and peas, fiber and other ingredients. Beyond Meat then started making beef and artificial pork sausages from vegetable ingredients.

This success was followed by the Impossible Foods company in 2016 which made imitation beef. They claim appearance and taste similar to real meat.

Impossible Foods use synthetic compounds produced by yeast and are genetically modified. Meanwhile, to mimic meat fat, they use coconut oil mixed with wheat and potato protein.

4. Even so, imitation meat turns out to be no healthier, you know!

Even though it is made from vegetable ingredients, it turns out it doesn’t make imitation meat healthier than real meat. This was stated by Desiree Nielsen, dietician from Vancouver, Canada on the Global News page.

“Imitation meat is enriched with minerals, unsaturated fats and cholesterol. However, imitation meat is higher in salt and processed ingredients as a substitute for natural ingredients,” he explained.

Not only that, dietician from Los Angeles, United States, Vandana Sheth also said the same thing. According to him, imitation meat can help people switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, but not be consumed every day, you know!

“Imitation meat is higher in fat, sodium and calories than real meat,” he said.